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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where are the scientists in "The Littoral Zone" sent for their course?

2. What legume did Gregor Mendel study in his genetics experiments?

3. During the discussion of swallows, which of Sarah Anne's statements does Christopher find inappropriate?

4. Which of the characters is meant to be the symbolic "Rare Bird"?

5. How would Linnaeus' family have reacted if they knew that he had traveled to the estate?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Christopher find attractive about Juliet?

2. What clues does the text give as to Richard's age?

3. Who does Linnaeus spend his time thinking about throughout the story?

4. What were the ages of Jonathan and Ruby's children throughout the course of the story?

5. What happened on the eighteenth night of the retreat?

6. How did Jonathan and Ruby treat each other once they returned to the mainland?

7. When was Antonia born, and how did her birth fit into her family's immigration plan?

8. How did Jonathan and Ruby's romantic relationship start?

9. What aspects of Linnaeus' students' lives are remembered in the story "The English Pupil"?

10. What unique deformity was Richard born with, and how did it affect his life in adulthood?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

All throughout his life in the story "Birds with no Feet" scientist Carrière has been faced with many personal setbacks. First, create a timeline chronicling the setbacks that affected Carrière's career. Then, describe Carrière's reaction to these setbacks and how explain how Carrière's reaction compares / contrasts to his idol, Wallace's reactions. Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

In the story "The English Pupil" the main character is a retired scientist on the cusp of death. What concerns does Carl Linnaeus have about his legacy after death? What major symbolism can be found in the story to support the theme of personal legacy? How do Linnaeus' relationships - both familial and academic - support the themes created through imagery? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

In the story "The Behavior of Hawkweeds" how do genetics play a role in understanding the lives of the characters? What symbols are produced through the comparison of the hawkweed genetics and the life of immigrants in America? Do you think this symbol is successful? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

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This section contains 950 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample